Rhode Island is one of only 23 states to meet the Jan. 1, 2006 deadline for election reform with a statewide voter registration system and new equipment for voters with disabilities

Rhode Island Secretary of State Matt Brown (pictured at right) announced today that Rhode Island would be one of only 23 states nationwide ready to meet the Jan.1 deadline for the Help American Vote Act (HAVA) according to a survey by the National Association of Secretaries of State. Brown has brought in over $16 million in federal funds to reform elections in Rhode Island, including the development and completion of the Central Voter Registration System (CVRS) last February and the purchase of new voting equipment designed for voters with disabilities called Automark.

“We have spent three years strengthening our elections to ensure every citizen can exercise their right to vote and make sure that vote is counted,” Brown said. “By meeting the requirements of the Help America Vote Act, Rhode Island is committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in our elections.”

HAVA mandates that by Jan. 1, 2006 each state must have a statewide voter registration system in place. States are also required to meet HAVA’s voting equipment requirements including the purchase of voting machines for the disabled. Brown completed the CVRS last February and is finalizing the purchase agreement for the “Automark” elections system for disabled voters.